Preparing for Labor: Exercises you can do

Preparing for labor
During the final months of pregnancy,
a few simple exercises can help prepare your muscles for labor.

Kegels
For example, Kegel exercises help tone your pelvic floor muscles. Simply tighten your pelvic muscles as if you're stopping your stream of urine. Try it for five seconds at a time, four or five times in a row. Repeat throughout the day.
Various other exercises target the muscles that will receive the most stress during labor and delivery.

Tailor sitting
The tailor sitting position stretches the muscles in your thighs and pelvis. It also improves your posture, keeps your pelvic joints flexible and increases blood flow to your lower body.
Sit on the floor with your back straight. Bring the bottoms of your feet together, pull your heels toward your groin and gently drop your knees. You'll feel a stretch in your inner thighs. Try tailor sitting anytime you're able to sit on the floor.
If it's difficult to sit in this position, use a wall to support your back or place cushions under each thigh. Remember to keep your back straight.

Pelvic rock
The pelvic rock stretches the muscles in the lower back, which helps relieve backaches.
Rest on your hands and knees with your head in line with your back. Pull in your stomach, rounding your back slightly. Hold the position for several seconds. Then relax your stomach and back, keeping your back as flat as possible. Repeat several times. Gradually work up to 10 repetitions.
You can do a similar exercise leaning against a wall. Simply stand up straight and push the small of your back against a wall.

Wall slide
Squatting during labor can help open the pelvic outlet, which gives your baby more room to descend through the birth canal. But squatting is tiring. It may help to practice ahead of time.
Try the wall slide. Stand with your back against a wall, your feet shoulder-width apart. Slide down the wall until you're in a sitting position. Hold the position for a few seconds and then slide back up. Repeat several times. Gradually work up to 10 repetitions.
For less stress on your knees, try the wall slide with an exercise ball behind your back. You can also squat without the wall. Keep your back straight and your feet shoulder-width apart.

May is International DOULA Month!

The month of the Doula has arrived! May is International Doula Month!

Doulas provide much support for women in pregnancy, in labor & afterwards.

Emotional, physical & informational support is their focus, for ALL mothers & their families.

Here are some questions to ask when choosing a Labor Doula for your birth:

Choosing a labor doula: Answers to your most-asked questions

Midwives' Model of Care

The Midwives Model of Care is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes.

The Midwives Model of Care:
*Monitors the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle
*Provides the mother with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support
*Minimizes technological interventions
*Identifies and refers women who require obstetrical attention

The Big Push for Midwives Campaign

The application of this woman-centered model of care has been proven to reduce the incidence of birth injury, trauma, and cesarean section.

April is Cesarean Awareness Month!

What is Cesarean Awareness Month?

An internationally recognized month of awareness about the impact of cesarean sections on mothers, babies, and families worldwide.

It's about educating yourself to the pros and cons of major abdominal surgery and the possibilities for healthy birth afterwards as well as educating yourself for prevention of cesarean section.

Cesarean awareness is for mothers who are expecting or who might choose to be in the future.

It's for daughters who don't realize what choices are being taken away from them.

It's for scientists studying the effects of cesareans and how birth impacts our lives.

It's for grandmothers who won't be having more children but are questioning the abdominal pains and adhesions causing damage 30 years after their cesareans.

CESAREANS are serious. There is no need for a 'catchy phrase' to tell us that this is a mainstream problem. It affects everyone. One in three American women every year have surgery to bring their babies into the world.These women have lifelong health effects, impacting the families that are helping them in their healing, impacting other families through health care costs and policies, and bringing back those same lifelong health effects to the children they bring into this world.

Be aware. Read. Learn. Ask questions. Get informed consent.

Be your own advocate for the information you need to know.

http://www.ican-online.org/

Some important Birth Information for Mums

Important Birth Information
Giving You and Your Baby the Best Chance for a Fantastic Birth Experience
1. Be with people who think you can do it. Keep numbers to a minimum, and to people with whom you are familiar.

2. Labor is active. Keep moving as long as you can. I don't mean you have to keep standing, just be as normal as possible, moving and being in positions that are comfortable. When you have a contraction, lean forward on someone or the wall or a chair. On your hands and knees is a good position to try, and I have noticed that the majority of the women who have given birth with me have done so on hands and knees.

3. You know your body better than anyone, and if you "listen in", you will know exactly what to do, even when you think you don't. Ask your partner or support person to remind you and to see to it that you are asked before anyone makes a decision about what you "should" do. SLOW DOWN, take your time. You can also take the time to "listen in" to your baby.

4. Don't try to be strong, talk about how you are feeling and what you are thinking. When you can access your feelings, whatever they are, you can then use the energy however you choose. Make the sounds that are comfortable for you. You are and your baby are the ones who matter, the ones everyone is there to support!

5. Breathing is very helpful, and holding your breath is not. You will know how to breathe, for you. Keep relaxing your jaw, and opening your throat and pay attention to the breath. "As above, so below". The mouth and jaw and throat represent the pelvis and the birth canal. It is enough to do to pay attention "above", "below" is perfectly designed to birth a baby.

6. You always have a choice about what you Speak Out, no matter how your body is feeling. "NO" causes the body to contract, and "YES" causes the body to open. It may sound silly, and "Yes" and "Thank You" with a contraction will support you to stay focused on what is really important. I have seen it seem to work miracles.

7. YOUR BABY IS FULLY CONSCIOUS AND EDUCABLE WHICH MEANS THAT IT IS LISTENING AND COMMUNICATING . TALK TO IT, LET IT KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING FOR YOU. UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, MAKE SURE THAT ANYTHING THAT IS DONE TO IT BE EXPLAINED TO IT FIRST. IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY, TAKE SOME TIME EACH DAY TO LISTEN TO YOUR BABY. REMEMBER THAT THIS BEING LOVES YOU BEYOND ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN EVEN IMAGINE! YOUR JOB IS TO OPEN TO RECEIVE ALL THE LOVE THAT IT HAS FOR YOU AND YOUR PARTNER! THAT IS ALL IT WANTS OR EVER WILL WANT.

8. After the birth, see to it that you and your baby are together, or that it is with your partner. Make sure that you receive nurturing and support in physical forms. The baby and you are one unit, things don't change just because it is outside now. This doesn't mean that you can't put it down, just that you know that you need baby as much as baby needs you. You need to be cared for so that you can give what is needed.

9. Choose an overall focus for yourself for the birth. Expansion is one that I know has been very successful. Another woman chose to think of her labor and birth as a sensual, sexual experience. Opening like a flower is wonderful. Pictures of full-blown roses and the lotus are images that are helpful. What images and aromas give you a sense of completion and wholeness and comfort?

10. Allow yourself to receive all the love and support that is around you. Make clear choices and then trust that you make the right choices for you and your family.

********** YOU DESERVE TO BE SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE WHO ARE LISTENING TO YOU AND THE BABY. PEOPLE WHO ARE SUPPORTING YOU TO HAVE AN EMPOWERED, ENLIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY, IF YOU ARE LISTENING TO YOURSELF AND TO YOUR BODY. YOU HAVE EVERY THING THAT YOU NEED! ************

http://www.labouroflove.org/birth/important-birth-info/

Breastfeeding? Have questions?

Baby refusing breast? Sore nipples? Pacifiers? Pumping Issues?

I cannot praise the La Leche League enough, in its helpfulness in all issues surrounding breastfeeding your child. It is what they do, it is what they are there for.

Click below for access to their FREE helpline. You WILL receive the support you need, but YOU need to reach out for it!

LLL in the USA - Breastfeeding Helpline

Another Birth

I attended my 5th Birth this weekend.

It went beautifully & I am thrilled for the mother, as she achieved the birth she wanted, through a lot of hard work on her part, of course!!! It is very empowering for the mother to have this happen.

I love so much supporting mothers & their family in the births of their new babies.

I wish all moms knew about childbirth assistants & understood the value of having a midwife & other support persons attend the birth of your child. I used to think I only wanted my spouse at the birth of our children, but looking back, I now realize that is is soo much pressure on the father to try to understand something that he does not. Not that having ONLY a spouse as a coach is detrimental to a normal birth, but having other 'women' there who 'know' is so encouraging, ya know what I mean? Though, god doulas help to make the husband/significant other, look like a "hero". I strive to keep the husband involved, if he chooses.

As a doula, I like to help 'protect' the birth memory by writing a log of the birth, hour by hour, event by event, so the family can look back & see exactly what happened when.

All the mothers have seemed to really enjoy this & I plan on continuing it.

I love what I do & love being whatever the mother needs me to be, at this momentous time in their life.

::::::::::Do You Doula?::::::::::::

Benefits of attending a BIRTH CIRCLE

Come together to explore this significant time in your life.
Pregnant Women at any stage and New Moms and anyone interested in Birth in general!
This Birth Circle will give you the opportunity to focus on your pregnancy and transition into Motherhood. There will be time to ask questions and to share experiences with other Mothers and Mothers to be.
I host a Birth Circle at my home in Staunton, VA- every 3rd Monday at 7p.m.
Please join us, if possible. We would love to have you!

Email me here for more info & directions: kelly@doulasurround.com

Making Nursing Work, while Working

Women have always combined work and breastfeeding. You can too. Take at least 6 weeks to focus on your baby and breastfeeding, if you can. The longer you delay going back, the easier it will be for both of you!

Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC talks about Combining the two, for a smooth transition & a continued relationship. She discusses Timing, Equipment, Childcare, Expression of your Milk, Storing of the milk, Supplements, Bottles & a Working Mother's Rights. You have a recognized right to breastfeed your baby. If you need help protecting that right, contact your physician, La Leche League, or a certified lactation consultant. Read the full article here:

http://www.wiessinger.baka.com/bfing/older/work.html

C-Section----- MAJOR SURGERY & how to avoid one

What every pregnant woman NEEDS to know about Caeserean Section Surgery & its risks!!
Please download this free copy of the booklet now!

• What Every Pregnant Woman Needs To Know About Cesarean Section helps a pregnant woman understand:
  


• maternity care trends that may influence her birth
  


• her legal right to "informed consent" and "informed refusal"
  


• what is at stake in the decision about whether to have a vaginal or cesarean birth
  


• situations that can lead to surgical birth
  


• tips to follow in pregnancy and at birth to increase her chances for a safe and healthy birth.
  

Click to download ourfree cesarean booklet

The best way to use the cesarean booklet is to read it early in pregnancy, use it to make your plans, and go back to it as needed. You can use it to discuss the issues with your partner and your doctor or midwife. If a topic is difficult to understand, ask your caregiver for help.

The 2006 revised edition updates rates of cesarean and other procedures, the list of endorsing organizations, and website addresses. We have also added more details to the companion at-a-glance summary comparing risks of cesarean and vaginal birth.

Having a Baby? 10 Questions to ASK...

Have you decided how to have your baby?
The choice is yours!
First, you should learn as much as you can about all your choices.

There are many different ways of caring for a mother and her baby during labor and birth.
Birthing care that is better and healthier for mothers and babies is called "mother-friendly." Some birth places or settings are more mother-friendly than others.
A group of experts in birthing care came up with this list of 10 things to look for and ask about. Medical research supports all of these things. These are also the best ways to be mother-friendly.
When you are deciding where to have your baby,

you'll probably be choosing from different places such as:
• birth center,
• hospital, or
• home birth service.
Here's what you should expect, and ask for, in your birth experience. Be sure to find out how the people you talk with handle these ten issues about caring for you and your baby. You may want to ask the questions below to help you learn more.

• "Who can be with me during labor and birth?"
• "What happens during a normal labor and birth in your setting?"
• "How do you allow for differences in culture and beliefs?"
• "Can I walk and move around during labor? What position do you suggest for birth?"
• "How do you make sure everything goes smoothly when my nurse, doctor, midwife, or agency need to work with each other?"
• "What things do you normally do to a woman in labor?"
• "How do you help mothers stay as comfortable as they can be? Besides drugs, how do you help mothers relieve the pain of labor?"
• "What if my baby is born early or has special problems?"
• "Do you circumcise baby boys?"
• "How do you help mothers who want to breastfeed?"

The link to the full article is below.

Ten Questions To Ask

Creating a Birth Plan for your VBAC

Your VBAC: Creating A Birth Plan
Two to three months before your due date, your doctor will begin discussing with you different options available to you for your labor and delivery. It is important to ask questions and voice your concerns about the hospital you will be delivering at, the hospital staff, or certain hospital procedures. Another wonderful way of voicing your concerns and needs is by creating a birth plan. A birth plan can be very important in making your labor and birth a wonderful and easy experience.
Birth plans usually consist of information about yourself and your pregnancy as well as what you expect from your doctor, hospital staff and what you want during your labor and delivery. Another wonderful aspect of creating a birth plan is that it leaves nothing open for discussion. So many times doctors will take it upon themselves to perform a procedure, such as an episiotomy, before ensuring that the mother is comfortable with it. Labor and the delivery of your newborn is an exciting and anticipated event. It's up to you how you want this event to go.
If you do decide to create a birth plan, be sure to let your doctor know that you will creating one. Also, it's important to ask your doctor what birthing methods, such as birthing balls, hot tubs, rocking chairs, will be available to you. Doing so will help you get a better idea of what methods you want to take advantage of.

Here are just a few of the basics for your birth plan:
**Be sure to note whether or not you prefer an episiotomy, or if you would rather tear.
**Be sure to note your ideal birthing environment. Would you prefer giving birth with more than one family member present?
**What would be the idea birthing environment for you? Would you prefer the lights turned down low or perhaps have soft, soothing music playing?
**Be sure to note your desire for or against pain relief. Noting this will ensure that if you don't want pain relief, you won't be asked ten times if you do want it. And, noting that you do will ensure that the preferred pain relief method is readily available.
**Be sure to note, if having a boy, whether you want him circumcised or not.
**Be sure to note whether or not you would like to be able to walk around during labor, use available birthing equipment such as birthing balls, rocking chairs or hot tubs.
**Be sure to note whether or not you want your partner to be the one to cut the umbilical cord.
**Be sure to note how you want to push. Do you want to squat? Lie on your side? Lie on your back?
The tips above are just the beginning of the basic birth plan. Make yours as personal as possible so that your doctor will have an ample idea of what you want your birth to be like. While creating a birth plan isn't necessary, it is a good idea to do so. Birth plans will ensure that your birthing experience goes just as you want it.

Reference:

Your VBAC
Copyright 2004 Jaime Warren

Benefits of Kegels in Pregnancy & Afterwards

Ahh, Kegels... the exercise of perineum champions!!!

Kegel exercises can help prevent incontinence, & abdominal, pelvic, vaginal & urethral pain during pregnancy. Doing Kegels regularly can also lessen the risk of vaginal tearing during childbirth.

Following the birth of your child, they can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, increase nerve activity & blood circulation in the sexual organs & preven postpartum incontinence.

*Do 6 Kegels each time you empty your bladder, while pregnant, for best results.
Hold them for up to 10 seconds each.

*Do Kegels every day in either a seated or standing position during pregnancy & on into the rest of your life!!!

Reference: Holistic Pregnancy & Childbirth by James Marti w/ Heather Burton

How to Make Breastfeeding Difficult (this article is meant to be facetious)
Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC
1. Tell the mother to "feed on a 4-hour schedule" or "get the baby on a schedule." This results in a low milk supply and a hungry, frustrated baby and frustrated parents. Be sure to blame the crying on breastfeeding. If this doesn't work, warn her to limit the length of feeds, which will accomplish the same thing.
2. Be sure to "get the baby used to a bottle." This can result in a confused baby who refuses the breast. It's also a great way to lower the milk supply and undermine the mother's confidence.
3. Tell her she doesn't have enough milk if:
"The baby wants to nurse again after only 2-3 hours"...OR
"The baby will take 2 ounces of formula after nursing"...OR
"Your breasts aren't full and uncomfortable all the time"
Since milk supply insecurity is the primary cause of lactation failure, this will introduce an element of doubt and fear to the whole process.
4. Tell her she can't or shouldn't nurse if:
"She wants to eat chocolate (or Mexican food or cabbage, etc.)"...OR
"She smokes or wants to take medication"...OR
"She's going back to work/school in a few weeks"....OR
"She wants to go out in public...nursing requires privacy"...OR
"Her breasts are too small (or large)"...OR
"Her mother couldn't"...OR
"She's too nervous"...
Find as many reasons for NOT breastfeeding as you can, and look for ANY reason to interrupt it. Put as much distance between mother and baby as possible.
5. Insist that "Dad should give the baby a bottle or he'll feel left out." This is another good way to minimize the importance of breastfeeding.
6. Tell her it may hurt to breastfeed, and that sore, cracked nipples are normal. Pain is an excellent adverse stimulus. Don't teach her how to position the baby correctly. Do give her a nipple shield, give the baby lots of bottles to disrupt the proper suck, and tell her to rub her nipples with a rough towel to "condition" them. And be sure to tell her every "horror story" you've ever heard about breastfeeding, in graphic detail.
7. Tell her to give the baby formula, glucose water and cereal right from the beginning, to make the baby sleep. This is another good way to insure inadequate milk supply. Tell her that her milk might be too rich or too thin. Try and make her think that formula is the "safer" option, and that there is something wrong with her milk even if she's lucky enough to have enough of it .This will further shatter her confidence.
8. Separate her from her baby at birth, and show by your actions that water, formula, pacifiers, and scheduled feedings are the appropriate way to care for the baby. Since she is especially vulnerable at this time and will follow your example, be sure to tell her how little breastfeeding matters. This will help her distrust her instincts even more.
9. Don't teach her the normal course of infant behavior. Don't warn her about growth spurts and frequency days. Don't call or visit her, and be sure to abandon her in the critical first two weeks. Blame breastfeeding for anything you can think of, and make up reasons to stop breastfeeding if necessary.
10. Give her plenty of formula samples to take home to further weaken her confidence. Make sure the literature you give her has many references to formula, and doesn't tell her how to keep her milk supply up. Make sure she doesn't call a La Leche League Leader, Lactation Consultant, breastfeeding peer counselor, or anyone else knowledgable about breastfeeding.
All these tactics, individually or collectively, will discourage breastfeeding.
© 1986 Linda J. Smith
lindaj@bflrc.com

Seeking Information Can Only Lead to Good Things

"Not to know is bad. Not to want to know is worse.Not to hope is unthinkable. Not to care is unforgivable. "--Nigerian saying

Wow! What a powerful statement I came across online.

Educating one's self on ANY subject WILL matter at some point in your life.

It is NEVER a waste of time to learn more about information that can change your life.

Don't EVER, ever avoid knowledge. Knowing can empower you & help you to make different, postivie decisions. Decisions you may NOT have made, had you not known.

If the outcome is not what you expected, but you applied all you learned- then, you are still empowered because you made an informed decision. NO REGRETS!